Nebraska authorities arrested Sterling James and his wife, Sayde Titus, after 26-year-old Hannah Neville — seven months pregnant — and her husband, Roberto Tanner, went missing in mid-January. Police allege James, Tanner’s half-brother, confessed to shooting the couple between the late hours of Jan. 15 and early Jan. 16, burying their bodies and setting Neville’s car on fire. Titus faces aiding-and-abetting charges; James has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Investigators are still searching for the victims’ remains.
Nebraska Couple Arrested After Pregnant Woman and Husband Vanish; Suspect Allegedly Confessed
Hannah Neville and Roberto Tanner.Nebraska State Patrol
Authorities in Nebraska have arrested two relatives in connection with the disappearance and alleged slayings of a pregnant woman and her husband, whose bodies have not yet been found.
What Happened
Police say 26-year-old Hannah Neville — seven months pregnant — was last seen leaving Stromsburg, Nebraska, on Jan. 15. Her husband, 27-year-old Roberto Tanner, was later also reported missing. Family members raised concerns after they lost contact with the couple.
Arrests and Allegations
Investigators arrested 24-year-old Sterling James and his wife, 22-year-old Sayde Titus, in connection with the case. According to Lincoln Police Department statements, James — identified as Tanner’s half-brother — has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Titus faces two counts of aiding and abetting first-degree murder.
Sterling James (left); and Sayde Titus.Lincoln Police Department
Police allege James admitted to fatally shooting both Tanner and Neville between the late hours of Jan. 15 and the early hours of Jan. 16, then burying their bodies and setting Neville’s car on fire. Titus is accused of assisting James after the alleged killings. Investigators are still searching for the victims’ remains.
Evidence and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities say witness statements and cellphone location data placed the couple at Titus’s apartment on the evening of Jan. 15. Early on Jan. 16, Neville’s vehicle was discovered burning in Lincoln. Police also reported that Neville’s phone appeared to be out of service when officers tried to contact her about the car fire.
It was not immediately clear whether either suspect has entered a plea or retained counsel. Local law enforcement agencies continue to investigate and search for the couple’s remains.
Note: Charges and allegations are based on police statements and have not been proven in court.
Help us improve.
